Bellingham’s World Cup form silences pre-tournament doubts
7 reported1 unconfirmed1 conflicting
According to a BBC Sport report, Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the stars of England's run to the World Cup quarter-finals, with four goals and an assist for Harry Kane in a 2-0 win over Panama. The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder's performances have come after a period of uncertainty about his place in the England squad under head coach Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel had previously left Bellingham out of a squad in October, and in June said the midfielder faced a fight to start at the World Cup due to having "14 or 15 potential starters." Bellingham has since won three player of the match awards in five matches, scoring two goals in a victory over Mexico described as one of England's greatest away wins. The report notes Bellingham has shown maturity and humility in media interviews, playing down his role and praising teammates. England faces Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
What’s reported
Bellingham has scored four goals and provided an assist for Harry Kane in England's World Cup run.
He scored a solo goal to put England 3-2 ahead against Croatia and a crucial goal against Panama.
Bellingham was left out of Tuchel's squad in October after being named England's player of the year.
Tuchel said in June Bellingham had a fight to start at the World Cup due to squad depth.
Bellingham has won three player of the match awards in five World Cup matches.
He has shown maturity and humility in interviews, offering one player award to an opponent.
England plays Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Conflicting accounts
The source article notes reports in Spain offered an alternative scenario that Bellingham asked to be left out of the squad in October to focus on fitness, while Tuchel stated the decision was to keep the same group.
Open questions
The article states it is not known exactly what happened between Tuchel and Bellingham regarding the midfielder's squad omission and any underlying tensions.
Key figures
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid midfielder
Harry Kane, England striker
Thomas Tuchel, England head coach
Sir Gareth Southgate, former England manager
Steve Holland, former England assistant manager
Sources: BBC News
